ECI introduces 'Myth vs Reality Register' to proactively combat mis-information in General Elections 2024

One-stop platform for credible and authenticated election-related information

Chandigarh, April 3 - Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Anurag Agarwal said that to combat the spread of misinformation and uphold the integrity of the electoral process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has today launched a 'Myth vs Reality Register' as part of the ongoing General Elections 2024. It is a one-stop platform, available to the public on the official website of the Election Commission https://mythvsreality.eci.gov.in/.

He said that the introduction of the 'Myth vs Reality Register' marks a significant milestone in the ECI's ongoing efforts to safeguard the electoral process from misinformation. With the proliferation of misinformation and false narratives becoming a growing concern in many democracies globally, this innovative and proactive initiative by ECI is an effort to ensure that voters have access to accurate and verified information throughout the electoral process.

The 'Myth vs Reality Register' serves as a comprehensive repository of factual information to dispel myths and falsehoods circulating during the election period, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions. It has been designed in a user- friendly format broadly covering areas of myths and misinformation around EVM/VVPAT, Electoral Roll/Voter Services, Conduct of Elections and others. This register provides already busted election related fake information, probable myths circulating around on social media platforms, FAQs on important topics and reference material under different sections for all stakeholders. The register will be updated on a regular basis.

All stakeholders are encouraged to verify and corroborate any dubious information received by them through any channel with the information provided in the Myth vs. Reality register. The platform can be used to verify information, prevent the spread of misinformation, debunk myths, and stay informed about key issues during the General Elections 2024. Users can also share the information on different social media platforms from the register.

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Strict monitoring should be done to combat sale of counterfeit and illegal medicines – Chief Secretary

Instructions given to track every movement of drugs

Necessary guidelines also given regarding preparations for Lok Sabha elections

Chandigarh, April 3 - Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. TVSN Prasad has issued directives to closely monitor the sale of counterfeit and illegal medicines, with a particular emphasis on tracking the movement of drugs. Drug officers should collaborate with district administration officials to take joint action, ensuring that no incidents occur.

The Chief Secretary was presiding over the meeting of the 7th State Level Narco Coordination Committee here today. He also gave necessary directions to the administrative officials regarding the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections.

The Chief Secretary said that de-addiction centers should be operational in the districts through collaboration with the private agencies and voluntary organizations so that people can be freed from drug addiction in areas where such centers are not available. He said that to combat drug issues, priority should be given to enforcement measures, testing, and raising awareness among youth, particularly at the school and college levels. Apart from this, NCORD meetings should be held regularly every three months at the district level.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was briefed on the progress of the Haryana Uday Yojana, aimed at raising awareness about drug addiction and making wards, panchayats, and villages drug-free through an anti-drug program. Over the past year, 1,879 programs were conducted across the state to make people aware against drug addiction, with a participation of 1,423,410 individuals. In terms of anti-drug efforts, 4,681 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 6,510 individuals. Additionally, 801 culprits were charged under the NDPS Act, resulting in the seizure of assets worth Rs 13.09 crore, and 31 illegal properties associated with drug smuggling were demolished.

It was also apprised that as part of the anti-drug program, the state's de-addiction centers are regularly inspected. Utilizing the Prahari App, 7,523 drug addicts have been identified and are being encouraged to overcome addiction through the Namak Lota campaign.

Instructions issued to share election data regularly and ensure timely information submission

The Chief Secretary also held detailed discussions with all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police regarding the Lok Sabha elections, issuing instructions to complete necessary preparations. He emphasized the importance of preparation and monitoring counting centers, as well as the timely sharing of election-related data and information. He said that administrative officers must execute their duties with utmost promptness, responsibility, and individual accountability. He said that there should be no room for any form of carelessness or negligence at the blockade, especially along state borders. Strict monitoring should be maintained on the movement of liquor and other goods at these checkpoints.

DGP Sh. Shatrujit Kapur, ACS Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Dr. G. Anupama, Chief Electoral Officer Sh. Anurag Agarwal, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Smt. Ashima Brar, ADGP Cyber Crime Sh OP Singh along with Deputy Commissioners of all the districts, Superintendents of Police and other seniors officers were also present in the meeting.

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Fortifying Security: Haryana's Three-Day Conference Focuses on Police Efficiency and Modernization

Chandigarh, April 3- For the first time in Haryana, a three-day state-level IG/SP conference will be organized in Faridabad from April 4 to 6. In this three-day conference, brainstorming will be done on various topics to increase the efficiency of Haryana Police and an action plan will be prepared for better policing.

The state-level conference will be inaugurated by Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur on April 4 at Surajkund in Faridabad.

Giving information about this, a government spokesperson said that all ADGPs, IGs, DIGs, SPs and other senior police officers of Haryana Police will participate in this conference. He said that to motivate the police officers for fitness, different types of physical health activities and yoga activities will be organized daily in the conference. During this, there will also be a detailed discussion on making the policemen physically and mentally strong.

In this conference, the officers will present their views on the national security landscape and brainstorm on it. Besides, there will also be brainstorming on the impact of international terrorist organizations on national security and their assessment. In the conference, experts will present their views on violent crimes in Haryana, Lok Sabha elections and compliance of Model Code Of Conduct, role of police and inter-agency coordination. Along with this, there will be brainstorming in the conference on preparing strategies to deal with the emerging cyber challenges at the national and state level and to reduce the threats to critical information infrastructure. Along with this, experts will present their views on AI Tools: Chat GPT, Deepfake, AI Enabled Crime etc. He said that experts will present their views on the challenges emerging from the use of social media. Besides, a plan will also be prepared in the conference for the infrastructural facilities to be provided to the prisoners and the work to be done for their upliftment in future. In the conference, police personnel who have received the DGP Uttam Seva Medal will also be awarded medals and felicitated. Besides, the incharge officer of the station nominated for the best police station of the state will also be felicitated for his excellent work. The conference will discuss in detail the new criminal bill: features and implementation roadmap.

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Haryana Cooperation Department Joint Registrar Arrested by ACB on Corruption Charge

Chandigarh, April 3- A team of the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) today arrested Naresh Kumar Goyal, Joint Registrar of the Cooperation Department, from Panchkula on charges of corruption. The accused was arrested by the ACB team in connection with the multi-crore rupee scam that was unearthed in the Cooperation Department in the past few days.

Giving information about this, a government spokesperson said that the case had come to the ACB for investigation, and several arrests have been made in the case so far. Naresh Kumar Goyal is accused of embezzling crores of rupees of government money along with his co-accused.

The spokesperson appealed to the public that if any officer or employee demands a bribe for doing government work, then immediately inform the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau's toll-free number - 1800-180-2022 and 1064.

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Operation Akarman-Police Action Against Criminals and Illegal Activities Led by the Director General of Police, Haryana Police

Chandigarh, April 3- Under the direction of Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur, Operation Akarman-8 was launched on March 31 in the state to crackdown on criminals, criminal elements, and drug traffickers. During this operation, a total of 1403 teams comprising 6737 police personnel conducted simultaneous raids across the state, resulting in the registration of 505 FIRs under IPC, NDPS, Excise, and Arms Acts and the arrest of 982 accused. Under the leadership of SPs and DSPs, 505 teams of 6737 police personnel initiated raids on offenders and criminals from the early morning of March 31, which continued until late evening. Conducting raids simultaneously at different locations yielded excellent results in targeting criminals. During this period, 27 FIRs were registered under the Arms Act, and 27 pistols were seized. In this case, 10 people were arrested. Similarly, 17 kg 625 grams of cannabis, 95.72 grams of heroin, 102.68 grams of smack, and 2.216 kilograms of charas were seized across the state, leading to the arrest of 17 accused. He further mentioned that during this campaign, teams apprehended 1 notorious criminal, and 5 wanted criminals were captured. Additionally, police successfully apprehended 11 cybercriminals, 78 proclaimed offenders, and 70 bail jumpers. These criminals were wanted in several cases and were evading arrest. Furthermore, during the special campaign, police successfully seized 761 bottles of English liquor, 4879 bottles of country liquor, 643 bottles of beer, 436 bottles of illicit liquor, and 1810 liters of lahan under the Excise Act, leading to crackdowns on liquor traffickers. From the possession of 28 accused arrested under the Gambling Act, the police also seized ₹185,265 in cash. During this campaign, fines were imposed on 3952 vehicles for violating traffic rules. It is noteworthy that Operation Akarman was carried out across the state to crack down on crime and criminal elements to ensure a safe environment for the people of the state. The police department conducted this eighth campaign to provide a fear-free environment to the people of the state.